Abby Edge July.27.2019 U-8 Festival @ Wilson Field Lindsay
ECOSA President Scott Cockburn highlighted the pressing need as referee numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
“It’s important to recognize that the interest in playing soccer in our communities is growing at rapid pace, but our local referee numbers are still only 75% of what they were in 2019, pre-pandemic.”, says Cockburn. “Last year, we had some referees complete over 200 games because they didn’t want to see games cancelled and wanted to make sure both youth and adults had the opportunity to play the game they love. We don’t want to see games cancelled and we don’t want our existing referees and referee assignors to continue feeling strained because of the shortage. The purpose of the new Referee Recruitment Officer is to not only bring new referees to the game, but also to increase mentorship support for new referees and connect them with all the skills development opportunities and benefits that come with refereeing.”
To combat this, they’ve appointed a dedicated Referee Recruitment Officer, Beth Pelow, who is engaging with local schools, soccer teams, and collaborating with organizations like the New Canadians Centre Peterborough & Cobourg.
A Referee Information Session on March 11th will offer those aged 12 and older a chance to learn more about refereeing.
If you’re located in Peterborough, Cavan, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, or surrounding communities, you can connect with the ECOSA Recruitment Officer, Beth Pelow, about how to become a referee by emailing her at beth.music@live.com or you can visit New Match Official Clinic Registration (ontariosoccer.net) for more information.
(Written by Joseph Goden)
